Teaching, Research, Extension and Service

Equine workshops

Adult Workshops – Texas A&M University in College Station

Annual Equine Conference – The Annual Equine Conference is a Continuing Education program for veterinarians. The subject matter varies from year to year, depending on the conference chair, but it alwasy focuses on best practices in horse health care.

“Back To Basics” Horse Short Course – This two-day event includes presentations and live demonstrations on such topics as starting young horses, health care, nutrition and feeding management, selection, evaluation and training techniques for performance horses.

Coaches Clinic – Adult leaders are typically those who lead busy lives with jobs, families and involvement with multiple events and youth activities. They are also people who are very giving and want to help others to be their very best. Therefore, it is often difficult for many 4-H leaders, coaches, FFA teachers, and other volunteers to find the time to improve on their level of knowledge and coaching skills. To help remedy this situation, Texas A&M University Horse Judging Program, along with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, is holding a Youth Leaders and Coaches Clinic for Horse Judging!

Equine Hoof Care and Shoeing Short Course – This course is designed as a comprehensive hoof care and introductory shoeing course. It will provide the basic knowledge necessary to appreciate the skills and practice required to properly care for horses’ feet. For more information, please contact Dr. Dennis Sigler at 979-862-3595.

Equine Reproductive Management Short Course – This is a three day course designed for owners and breeding managers. The event is coordinated by Dr. Martha Vogelsang; it is an integrated effort across teaching and Extension faculty.

Horse Management 101 – The Horse Management Workshop is a one-day workshop held each spring on the Texas A&M University campus. Participants will focus on such topics as general horse nutrition, equine genetics, feeding management, general health and immunizations, facility design and equipment and basic management tools.

Mare/Foal Workshop – The Mare/Foal Workshop is a one-day workshop held each spring on the Texas A&M University campus. Designed for mare owners, information available includes broodmare and foal nutrition, the estrous cycle, foaling predictors, basic equine genetics, health care and restraint of mares.

Texas A&M Horse Short Course – This short course includes presentations on horse nutrition, hoof care and health benefits of equestrian activities. This year’s conference also features AQHA World Champion Horse Trainer, Mozaun McKibben, Whitesboro, Texas, who will present live horse training demonstrations on “Building a Foundation for the Versatile Stock Horse.” For more information, contact Dr. Dennis Sigler at 979-862-3595.

Youth Workshops – Texas A&M University

Aggiefest Horse Judging Workshop– The Horse Judging Workshop is intended to give youth an opportunity to practice judging horses in a low stress environment. The workshop will include a basic idea of what to look for when judging individual performance classes and halter. English and western classes and an optional halter class will be provided for youth to judge. Placings, cuts and critiques will be discussed following each class.

Texas A&M Equestrian Camp – Taught through the Texas A&M Women’s Equestrian Team, this clinic includes riding instruction in hunter seat equitation over fences and flatwork, horsemanship, and reining. The clinic also covers NCAA equestrian rules and regulations, and ends with a mock competition.

Texas A&M University Horse Judging Camp – The Horse Judging Camp is a three-day event in which youth will be instructed in judging performance and conformation classes along with giving oral reasons. Camp fees include housing, food, instruction, and evening fun.

Workshops – County Extension Offices

Annual Summer Horsemanship School Program – For 40 consecutive years, the Texas AgriLife Extension has trained instructors to teach basic horsemanship skills to youth in various counties across Texas. The program has played a vital role in the improvement of riding abilities and general knowledge of the participants, advancing leadership and communication skills of the instructors, and developing a network of positive relationships throughout the 254 counties in the state. The success of the summer horsemanship schools is largely due to the genuine interest and commitment to help people improve and succeed, regardless of their level of experience.